If you can have hope for the future, then you can have joy today. When Lehi taught his son Jacob that men (and women) "are that they might have joy," he wasn't talking about an easy life, free from adversity. There must be "opposition in all things," he said. Jacob himself had endured significant trials,... Continue Reading →
“My Law”
On the surface, the word "law" sounds like something that is imposed upon us, something that we are forced to obey, on pain of punishment. Book of Mormon prophets do in fact emphasize that there are consequences for disobeying the law. Lehi describes "the punishment which is affixed," in contrast with "the happiness which is... Continue Reading →
Agency
This life is a school of decision-making. The prophet Lehi taught his son Jacob that the reason we experience both good and evil is so that we can learn to choose the good: Wherefore, the Lord God gave unto man that he should act for himself. Wherefore, man could not act for himself save it should be that... Continue Reading →
No End
A few months ago, I heard a presentation by Simon Sinek, author of The Infinite Game. He explained that many games we play, like football or chess, have clearly defined rules, consistent participants, and most importantly, endings. He called these "finite games." But other activities that we participate in might be better labeled as "infinite... Continue Reading →
“Inviteth and Enticeth” – Moroni 7:12-13
In his sermon in the synagogue, before teaching his people how to "lay hold upon every good thing," Mormon provided some instruction about how to distinguish between good and evil: All things which are good cometh of God; and that which is evil cometh of the devil; for the devil is an enemy unto God, and fighteth against him... Continue Reading →
Book of Mormon References in Moroni 6
Today as I studied Moroni 6, I found a number of phrases which referenced earlier passages in the Book of Mormon. Obviously, Moroni knew the Book of Mormon well. Still, I thought these references were striking, and I thought I'd share the connections I made today as I studied this chapter. Most of these phrases... Continue Reading →
“I Will Show Unto Them Their Weakness” – Ether 12:27
Moroni was painfully aware of his limitations. As he summarized the Jaredite record, he compared himself unfavorably to one of the authors of the Jaredite plates. Moroni worried that his imperfections would cause future readers to reject his writings, and he shared his anxiety with God in prayer: Behold, thou hast not made us mighty... Continue Reading →
Justice and Mercy
God is both just and merciful. Multiple Book of Mormon prophets testify of this, including Lehi (2 Nephi 2:12), Nephi (2 Nephi 11:5), Jacob (Jacob 4:10), King Benjamin (Mosiah 5:15), Alma (Alma 42:15), and Mormon (3 Nephi 26:5, Mormon 6:22). We ought to be just and merciful as well: See that you are merciful unto... Continue Reading →
“He Hath Lied Unto Us” – Alma 10:28, Alma 12:3
The Book of Mormon teaches plainly that lying is wrong (2 Nephi 9:34, 2 Nephi 26:32, 2 Nephi 28:8, Alma 16:18, 3 Nephi 30:2, 4 Nephi 1:16, Mormon 8:31). God does not tell lies (Enos 1:6, 3 Nephi 27:18, Ether 3:12). The devil is "the father of all lies" (2 Nephi 2:18, 2 Nephi 9:9,... Continue Reading →
“Every Man According to His Mind” – Alma 2:5
Lehi taught his sons that they were free to make choices—including choices which would reduce that freedom. He urged them to choose liberty, not captivity (2 Nephi 2:26-29). About five years after King Mosiah abolished the monarchy and established a government "by the voice of the people" (Mosiah 29:26), a man named Amlici tried to... Continue Reading →
